Breville - Barista Express BES870XL

We've had the Breville Barista Express (https://www.breville.com/en-us/product/bes870) for at least 10 years and love it. It's not a full on enthusiast machine, but it's reasonably priced considering the level of control you get on the grind, water, pressure, temperature, etc. And it's fast to make a cup.

Former barista/cafe manager here. The Breville will deliver totally adequate espresso, I use it at home! Here's the exact model I use. No bells and whistles, everything's purely mechanical. Mines on year 5 and still going strong, has never once broke. I just descale it and change the filter here and there. If you're very particular, the grinder isn't quite up to par - but again, is totally more than adequate for any non-third-wave espresso making. https://a.co/d/aK6LzLy

Highly recommend Breville, any with the built in grinder. There's fancier stuff of course, but these have frequent sales going on for the holidays, like this [https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU?th=1) Our first one broke after 6 years (my fault for not descaling it enough) but probably made 6500+ drinks in that time, zero hesitation when it came time to replace it. Started with the one I linked, we now have the 'Touch' model with the auto frother.

Had my Breville BES870XL for years now and it works great, makes great espresso and for home use is by far the best machine I’ve come across in the price range… I used to live in Italy and also worked in multiple coffee shops fwiw and I’m quite picky about coffee. Can’t recommend this one enough…

I had a Gaggia Classic but never used it. My wife couldn't/wouldn't use it. Sold that and my Astoria commercial grinder to buy a refurbished Breville Barista Express. Honestly, it's good enough and I use it every day. I decided on it because we had one at work that served 20+ people a day for 5 years and was still going when I left. Plus my counter was overcrowded with: espresso machine, espresso grinder, drip machine, and drip grinder.

I got a covid deal on a barista express for like $400 or something, base model with grinder and analog pressure gauge. Ive pulled 3 shots a day every day for 4 years. Well well worth it. I know it sounds weird but you could scour for a used one. Breville pushes upgrades with touch screens and AI probably, none of which I'm interested in. Check around for deals or used (would need a deep clean ofc) It paid for itself quickly

BBE. The manual says start time is under five minutes. grinder is good enough for medium to dark roasts. I got an 8 year old one from a friend six weeks ago because they replaced it with another BBE https://preview.redd.it/h7qxzn0gytye1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc479a73630c9907311d6222e3fbe19ff8340ea4 this could be you!

It makes me so mad their marketing says “barista grade” I could never buy it. The one with the grinder looks like a cheap copy of the Breville 870, if it’s possible to have a cheap copy of a cheap Chinese made machine. Anyway for 549 the Breville is what I got and I love it. But it already has some noticeably cheap components. I don’t think I could accept something even lower grade. And at least there are a million reviews and articles to help. Walmart says 90 day return policy, so maybe just go for it and return if necessary. But don’t tell them you just don’t like it. You have to say it’s defective in some way and make sure you save the box and all packaging and put it back when you return. Also buy it in store not online sometimes the return policy is different.

Yes. I own a coffee machine (barista express) and a sandwich press from Sydney from 1990. Has never broke down and still delivers. I think it’s hit or miss with other products that aren’t food focused.

In your same situation machine wise and budget wise. Mostly make milk based drinks, but in upgrading from BBE with 3k, I went with a Mazzer Philos and a Bezzera BZ13 DE machine. My family liked the volumetric buttons on the Breville, and so I found a great machine that still has them. With the heat exchanger I can pull shots and steam at the same time. Anyway, I’ve been using the new Mazzer grinder for a few weeks, and it is amazing. Five stars in my book. My BBE is making the best espresso shots it has ever made. That said, my BZ13 arrives this week, so fingers crossed I can get it dialed in easily enough. Good luck in your search.